Canine Blood Donor Program

Just like humans, pets can suffer from life-threatening illness that could result in them needing a life-saving blood transfusion.

What is the process?

We run initial blood screening tests on your dog to ensure they have no underlying health issues at no cost. Tests are reviewed and if approved by our veterinarians, your dog can donate blood.

To be eligible to be a donor your pet must be:

25kg +

1-5 years old

Fully vaccinated

Regularly wormed

Never received a blood transfusion

Known history of good health

Calm temperament

Your dog can donate up to four times a year and blood cells are replaced within a month of the donation.

Your pet will be admitted to hospital for a short time and after the initial blood screening tests they will be administered a general anaesthetic during the donation process. Two small areas, one on the leg and the other on their neck will be clipped. After the donation they will be monitored as they wake up from the anaesthetic, later offered a drink and a snack and given lots of cuddles and pats. After that they can return home.

A dog may need a blood transfusion for many reasons. These may include:

Being hit by a car

Anaemia

Severe haemorrhage (bleeding)

Blood clotting problems, such as rat bait toxicity

Septic shock

Kidney or liver failure

Low blood protein levels

Autoimmune diseases

Cancer

If you would like your dog to join our blood donor pool and become a donor hero, please register your interest by contacting our receptionist at Channel Highway Animal Hospital 6229 7939 or Hobart Animal Hospital on 6236-9787. We would love to hear from you!